Rio Tinto to return to full operations at Richards Bay Minerals in South Africa in January 2020

Rio Tinto to return to full operations at Richards Bay Minerals in South Africa in January 2020

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 30-Dec-2019 — /EuropaWire/ — Rio Tinto started the process of resuming operations at Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) in South Africa. Following discussions led by the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Sihle Zikalala, with all stakeholders about securing stability to address the issues in the community and provide the stable environment necessary for RBM to resume operations.

RBM expects to return to full operations in early January, to regular production in early 2020. After normalisation of operations at RBM, Rio Tinto will review the restart of the Zulti South project.

“The safety and security of our people is always our first priority and we are pleased that we will now be able to get back to work creating value for our people, our communities, South Africa and RBM’s shareholders.

“I would like to thank the Government of South Africa and the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal for their support and assistance in getting us to a position where we can restart operations at RBM. I would also acknowledge the work of community leaders and the police over the previous few weeks,” commented Bold Baatar, chief executive, Energy & Minerals.

Titanium dioxide slag production for 2019 is now expected to be at the bottom end of 2019 guidance of between 1.2 and 1.4 million tonnes, as previously advised.

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SOURCE: Rio Tinto